Keywords

Background

Obesity, especially central, and the metabolic syndrome are highly prevalent in psychiatric patients. They are mostly attributed to the use of antipsychotic medication and to lifestyle habits and constitute a significant health concern since they seem to be risk factors for rather serious medical conditions.

Materials and methods

The study sample included 105 patients suffering from schizophrenia (44 females−41.91% and 61 males− 58.09%) aged 36.25±10.03 (range 19-69) and 156 normal control subjects (65 females−41.66% and 91 males− 58.34%) aged 36.03±11.33 (range 19-68). Clinical diagnosis was made according to DSM-IV-TR criteria. Height, weight, waist circumference and number of cigarettes smoked daily were recorded. Duration of illness was calculated based on records concerning the age of first onset of psychotic symptoms. Body Surface Area (BSA) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were calculated as well as % body fat, with the use of LifeWiseTM Body Fat Analyzers No 63-1525.